Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Honda HR-V owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Odometer Fraud. The contact owns a 2016 Honda HR-V. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle advertised mileage was 92,340. However, after the purchase, the contact noticed that the mileage was approximately 83,000. While driving at a later date, the contact noticed an odometer malfunction and discovered that the current mileage was 194,000.
Push start/stop button was noting working properly (this had a recall and was replaced). However after it was repaired, I noticed the right-sided gas gauge with service repair numbers, milage etc is not working properly; the gas guage and service repair codes disappear and/or are scrambled. I took this to the Honda dealership in Coon Rapids, Minnesota, and was told by the service advisor (Drew Mechley) that their mechanic said he doesn't think it is related to the start/stop button repair but this is a common probelm seen with HR-Vs. I also found multiple forums with people experiencing the same issue. Here is one of the forums [redacted] . I am concerned this is a safety issue as I cannot see when my gas is out and cannot see when a service code displays for needed maintenance that could damage the vehicle if it is not completed. …
My vehicle suddenly developed electrical problems and would not start. Before it completely failed, I began seeing warning lights on the dashboard, including a PARK warning and an engine oil light. The vehicle had been operating normally earlier that day, but later became totally unresponsive. The doors would not unlock electronically and the car would not start. This happened after a period of heavy rain. When the vehicle was inspected by a Honda dealership, they found signs of long-term water intrusion and corrosion affecting electrical components and wiring. I later learned that the vehicle had previously been repaired for water intrusion through the rear hatch/tailgate area, which may have allowed moisture into the vehicle over time. The car is now inoperable. …
I was driving the car home from work and all of the warning lights on the dashboard came on- the check engine light, tire pressure light, traction control light, brake warning light, and the park emergency brake light. The "park" sign and p/r/d light lights were flashing. The car would not accelerate past 35 miles without it kicking back. I was terrified to drive the car on the interstate due to the acceleration kick back. I had to take a longer route home. I prayed the entire way. I keep up with my car maintenance with oil changes, etc. I even had the transmission fluid changed one year prior to this event. I had no prior issues, messages, symptoms, or other problems with this car prior to this event. It happened suddenly. I took the car to the dealership who initially told me the issue was a p0793 sensor and then a week later informed me that I needed a new transmission. …
Whenever it is cold, 45 degrees or colder, the right front display goes black. This is the display that gives fuel in fuel tank amount, mileage, and rpm. The display stays black until the car heats up, and this can be as long a 20-30 minutes. This is a dangerous situation, because you do not know how much fuel is in your tank. Additionally, if it turns out that you have low fuel, you risk running out of gas and being stuck in cold weather. Other issues can occur as well. This problem is widely reported online, and Honda has apparently done nothing. I went to my local Honda dealer and spoke to two people. The first one brushed me off and treated me as if it was "too bad." The second person was nicer, acknowledged that she had heard of the problem. Further, this apparently affects latter HRV's as well. Please do something and make Honda fix this known problem.
Incident happened one time. Starting car in cold weather (around 25 degrees) after it hadn't been driven in 2 days. The odometer/gas display was black at start up. After a few minutes the gauge lights came on but the digital display was gibberish. I started to drive and once the car warmed up after several minutes the digital display was working as it should and recording milage and acceleration/deceleration speed. My mechanic hooked up the car and no codes were showing a malfunction. Many other folks in the Honda forums have this exact issue. I'm driving this car on a road trip and am concerned something dangerous could occur. For now I will manually/mentally record mileage to ensure I dont run out of gas and praying this isnt a large electrical short issue
I have had this car repaired and diagnosed by 5 different dealerships, I have had leak test done The check engine and parking brake light keep coming on with the word "park" flashing when I drive. The codes say purge valve which has been replaced 3 times!!! it also says fuel leak and they did a smoke test for a leak but nothing!! there is something faulty with this and it's only a matter of time before it reacts poorly while driving and kills someone. There are SEVERAL other people online dealing with the same issues for the 2016 Honda HRV there needs to be an investigation before someone dies from whatever is faulty in this system I have been complaining about this since 2021!!! it keeps coming back
My daughters 2016 Honda HRV (59k) has continual electrical issues. First it's the battery sensor $617. Then the keyless access control module $1100 but given a discount. Something is also wrong with the heated seat it burned a hole in the seat. Honda says it's 10 years old it's gonna start falling apart. Numerous complaints online with all of the electrical issues mentioned and the service manager says Honda doesn't have to issue recalls until there's class action lawsuit filed for vehicles. All of this stuff has happened in the last 8 months.
Driving smoothly 67 mph on 210 freeway in Azusa California car suddenly lost acceleration in heavy traffic..steered car 4 lanes over than exited off ramp. Car had some low acceleration all warning lights flashing on my dash..none made any indication what's wrong..had car towed to honda..said it was the transmission! Honda had recall before this..took it in..they adjusted it but when i got it back it was reving too high rpm at 65 mph took it back again and they said it was fine..i don't think so than this happened!
Door lock actuators fail in quick succession (at only 60K miles). Vehicle can not be opened quickly from outside as, except for the driver's door, there is no physical keyhole. Replaced remote batteries, no change. Took it to Honda service. They diagnosed and replaced two actuators ($700+). A third one failed a month later. US Honda says the vehicle is off warranty. As far as I can tell, the replacement actuators are the same as the failing ones so I expect they will fail again.
Electrical complaints in other HR-V years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2016 Honda HR-V?
NHTSA has 57 complaints about the electrical system of the 2016 Honda HR-V, 23% of the model year's 243 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Honda HR-V electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2016 Honda HR-V, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2016 Honda HR-V electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 43% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.